Fluid build up in the lower back. Will this be absorbed by my body?

Question

I have fluid build up in the sacral area after trumecent liposuction and tummy tuck. It's been 5 weeks. Dr aspirated 2X and again it's building up. He put more foam to give compression. I'm wearing a waist band 24/7. now the fluid is building up a little bit higher and is painful. Will this be absorbed by my body? Does he have to keep on aspirating? Will this cause harm to my spine? Maybe heat pads or creams like aspercream? What sleep position? Anything??

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

A full tummy tuck with liposuction at
the same time will certainly put you at a high risk for fluid under the tummy tuck skin (seroma). The literature is complete with this information.  The science is
the science.   This is a risky combination.

The incidence of seroma formation is
about 16.0 percent in the abdominoplasty-alone group and 31.2 percent in the
abdominoplasty with liposuction group.

The
combination of abdominoplasty and liposuction procedures can still overwhelm
the body's ability to resist these shear forces by the fact that more surface
area is available to “shear” and thus produce seroma fluid. Not so much as an
additive effect but synergistically, such that the seroma fluid from the flanks
flows into the adjacent abdominal space and resists the ability of the upper
abdominal flap to close over the abdominal wall. Patients must
be counseled about their risk for seroma formation and treatments aimed at
resolving them including frequent postoperative visits for needle drainage and
the rare case requiring operative drainage in the face of a persistent seroma.At this point your best bet is repeated aspiration, compression, and rest.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I suggest radiofrequency treatments, massage and drainage with compression till this resolves to avoid scarring.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Fluid build up can occur with tummy tucks and occasionally with liposuction. If no drains were used or only used for a short time, the fluid build up is more common. Try to minimize your bending and wear your compression. You may need to be drained a few more times.

Keith Denkler, MD · Answer

Continued seroma buildup can be improved with a temporary suction drain.Aspiration can work but a suction drain helps close the empty space the best.

Fluid build up in the lower back. Will this be absorbed by my body?

Answers (4)

Answer: May need a drain

Answer: May need a drain

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tumescent Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Fluid build up in the lower back. Will this be absorbed by my body?

Answers (4)

Answer: May need a drain

Answer: May need a drain

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tumescent Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.